After the snow has fallen

[valmont-vicomte.livejournal.com]

Wednesday, early evening; after the snow has stopped but the power is still out.

It seems that I missed some excitement last night. When I came through from the apartment to the inn proper in the late morning, I found a note from Adam.

Boss -
There was a bit of a ruckus here last night. Some girl took her clothes off and got offended when Billy Hogan got fresh. A fight broke out - just the usual broken glasses. Will tell you more about it when I'm in next. Don't believe everything any of the regulars tell you - I was the only one who wasn't drunk.
A.

I would, perhaps, have got to hear some of those stories, and I must say I'm terribly curious, but then it started snowing. It has been a long time since I saw snow fall like it did this afternoon; since I lived in New London, I think, for Versailles was warmer. The Whitechapel is quiet enough during the early afternoons anyway, so we locked the front door, Cora and Peter soon settled into a high stakes game of gin rummy, and I went to make sure that Hermia and Alice were alright. Luckily we have plenty of food and firewood, and the apartment is well furnished with candles.

The snow has settled down now, but it is very dark outside and the power is still out. So I come back into the bar and Cora - cheerful for once, having managed to take most of Peter's wages for this week - and I get the fire banked as high as possible and line the windows with candles so that passerby can see that we are open, and I unlock the front door. I imagine that many people's homes will be very cold and very dark this evening, and what better cure for that than company and alcohol?

[OPEN]

Comments

[gaueko-erebus.livejournal.com]

"Oh, hey, no," Popcorn says, shaking snow out of her hair, "I didn't hit him with anything-- well, hey, maybe a lot of questions. I guess it was a kind of quieter meeting, you know?" She fumbles in her pocket, then holds a box out to me as though she thinks I'll take a finger along with it, "Cigarettes, guys?"

Well, she's polite when she's not braining people with machinery. I take one as her sugar daddy eyes me. "'Quieter' is subjective," he says, refusing her offer of cigarettes. Silly man. A pretty girl offers you something, you take it. I smirk and light mine up, then signal the barman.

"You provide the smokes, I'll provide the drinks," I say jovially as he brings the bottle and another two glasses over. I wasn't about to include the sugar daddy, but what the hell. I think Popcorn's already a few sheets to the wind anyway, but getting more booze in her will just improve things, I think. "So what are you doing so far from home on a night like this?" I ask while I pour. And...I eye the sugar daddy, "'Father' Laurence?" He sure doesn't smell like one of Mari's.

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

I raise my hand to refuse the glass.

"Thank you, I don't drink." I look at Zann and then the man. Gaueko, I think she said? "But, please, go ahead."

"'Father' Laurence?" he asks like he's trying to figure me out.

"Yes. I opened a church on Silk Road. Saint Willigis." I don't mention the yelling on the street I used to do.

[tereixa-zann.livejournal.com]

"You provide the smokes, I'll provide the drinks," and oh, hey, that's nice; we're being social. Grin as Adam brings over a couple more glasses and lift one to him, all pretty pretty light glowing in the candles. "So what are you doing so far from home on a night like this?"

Giggle a bit, because that sounds like something awfully close to what's a girl like you doing in a nice place like this, and it's just kind of funny. "Oh, I got the rides all taken care of," I say, waving my free hand. "So I came up to check on the Tavern, in case anything got damaged, 'cause we're working on it now, you know. Rewiring and building and everything, and it's going to be smashing, it really really is--but I wanted to make sure the connections didn't short out and the joists didn't swell or freeze and no-one left any pipes unheated because I tell you, a burst pipe is a real bitch, I hate having to deal with those--" I realize I'm maybe going on a bit and take a swallow of the glass and then decide it's a very good thing there's a chair there because I do need to sit down. "So Verdi gave me a drink and I was heading home. She's really sweet, you know."

"'Father' Laurence?"

"Yes. I opened a church on Silk Road. Saint Willigis," he explains, and I grin and nod. Then Larry mentions that he doesn't drink, and I nudge him. "And I think they're putting in a kitchen or something, you can go there and get food, you don't need to drink. Which is kind of odd, but you know, it has music. It's hard to go wrong with music."

[gaueko-erebus.livejournal.com]

Really, Popcorn, your taste in sugar daddies leaves one hell of a lot to be desired. Doesn't smoke, doesn't drunk...he must be one hell of a lay. Or maybe he's just rich. Whatever the case, I shrug and say, "More for us," before pouring double measures for Popcorn and myself. She in the meantime chatters on about working at the Carnival and at the Tavern. Sounds like Verdi started the job of getting her drunk for me. That's my girl.

"How is Verdi these days?" I ask. Haven't seen her since she threw that damned fit in my room. I rather miss her, to tell the truth, but I'm not about to chase her if my attentions aren't welcome. I don't bloody own her, and she's not a pet.

The sugar daddy confirms he's a priest. And I smirk. "Well, not the first priest I've seen to give up on celibacy, but usually they toss drinking in with fornication." I take a swallow of my whisky, "Also, isn't it rather a bad omen, naming your cathedral after some bugger who managed to burn his down?"

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

"And I think they're putting in a kitchen or something, you can go there and get food, you don't need to drink. Which is kind of odd, but you know, it has music. It's hard to go wrong with music." Zann nudges me and I smile.

"It is. Thank you," I say.

"Well, not the first priest I've seen to give up on celibacy, but usually they toss drinking in with fornication." He smirks and takes a drink. "Also, isn't it rather a bad omen, naming your cathedral after some bugger who managed to burn his down?"

"What?" I ask, then glance at Zann. "I think you have the wrong idea," I tell him. "As for Saint Willigis, perhaps, but he's popular where I come from. I'm just impressed you've heard of him."

[gaueko-erebus.livejournal.com]

This fellow isn't much of a bloody conversationalist. Looks at Popcorn and says, "I think you have the wrong idea,"

"Well, the more fool you, then, because I'm betting she's a bloody firecracker in bed." I smirk at him over the rim of my glass.

"As for Saint Willigis, perhaps, but he's popular where I come from. I'm just impressed you've heard of him."

"Oh, I consider myself something of an expert on world religions." I say breezily. "Anyway, didn't he get in trouble for fighting with another bishop over a harem, or some such thing?" Never did understand the criteria for becoming a damned saint. Seems like all half of them had to do was get shot full of arrows or set on fire. By those standards I should be a saint fifty fucking times over.

The door bangs open again, and I catch a whiff of a familiar power. Look up and grin as he's settling himself by the window. "Azrael, you pretentious fuck! Come over here and have a drink!" Still don't like him much, but if we're all stuck here, might as well make it a party. Anyway, I rather like the idea of throwing him together with "Father" sugar daddy, mixing it up and seeing what happens.

[tereixa-zann.livejournal.com]

"How is Verdi these days?"

"Ah, she's really good," I say, one elbow on the bar and my chin on my hand. "I think she's really looking forward to reopening, though, you know?"

"Well, not the first priest I've seen to give up on celibacy, but usually they toss drinking in with fornication," he says to Larry, and I blink and look at him as he looks at me and we both kinda shrug, 'cause damn.

Larry's gotten better at talking, 'cause he just comes back smooth as oiled gears. "I think you have the wrong idea," and I'm just looking at Anushka's werewofl god-guy kind of sideways, because really, guy, I just hugged him.

"Well, the more fool you, then, because I'm betting she's a bloody firecracker in bed," and whoops, I was drinking, and it goes up my nose and then there are tears coming out of my eyes, and for a second I think it's just the sting of the whiskey and then there's the great slow sadness of the end of time and tears are running thin and slow out of my eyes and I hear "Oh, I consider myself something of an expert on world religions," and oh god (sorry, God), that's it, it really is, and I'm curled over the bar with one arm over my face and I'm giggling very quietly, but I can't stop. It's just too much, sad and silly and sarcastic all at once, and all you I can do is laugh until I catch my breath.

Push myself up and dry my face and manage a "Hey, Simon," and a wave, and then Lannie and Iago bang in through the door, covered in snow and laughing, and I manage to catch my breath again. "Hey, guys!" She's sweet, and he's fun, though I am figuring it was a one-time kinda thing, even if he doesn't patch stuff up with his wife, or ex, or whatever she is.

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

"Well, the more fool you, then, because I'm betting she's a bloody firecracker in bed," he says and I cough. There is a heat in my neck and Zann just thinks it's the funniest thing ever. I just look at her, then at him. Excolo is, I believe, the strangest town I've ever been in.

I find myself very glad when others are called over.

[simon-klavec.livejournal.com]

"Azrael, you pretentious fuck! Come over here and have a drink!"

My brother's dog is waving to me, a grin plastered across his face. Don't know that I'd go over, but Zann's finished choking on her drink and waves me over. "Hey, Simon," she calls.

Stand up and bring my brandy, sitting so I can see the hud pes sitting there like a man. "Hey, Zann," I say. "Tillerman." Sip my drink. Strange group, here.

Glass' husband bursts in, followed by that new girl. Been following him around, her, but Glass doesn't seem to worry. Must trust the girl to mind him, the way he is right now.

[gaueko-erebus.livejournal.com]

At least Popcorn's got a sense of humour, even if her sugar daddy doesn't. And even if she nearly squirts good whisky out her damned nose. She end sup with her head on the table, giggling and sneezing whisky and pouring tears out her eyes. But when she sits up and sniffles, and waves Azrael over. And while he looked inclined to ignore more, he sure doesn't ignore her. "Hey, Zann, Tillerman." he says, sitting with his glass of brandy in his hand.

"Good to see you too, Azrael. I'm fine, thanks for asking." I smirk. He really doesn't like me, does he? Well, that's okay. Feeling's mutual. But damned if I'll let it spoil my mood.

The door bangs open, letting in a wash of snow, a girl, and -

"YOU!" I bellow, getting to my feet, "I've got one hell of a bone to pick with you, you inbred little fuck! What the hell do you think you're doing to my little girl?!" I don't care if he can't remember. Maybe a good dose of pants-wetting terror will jog his fucking memory.

[valmont-vicomte.livejournal.com]

The bar is soon pleasantly full of familiar faces, and I smile and greet everyone, staying busy at the bar while Peter takes the orders round. Cora goes back to her sullen perch at the front desk. Then Iago comes in with Lannie, and Gaueko starts shouting at him about his little girl. Oh dear. Domestic trouble. I think about Glass and Iago's wedding, and clear my throat and say politely:

"I'd rather no one got thrown through a window; glass is expensive. Feel free to throw each other about in the yard if need be. Try not to scare the horses."

I go back to what I was doing.

[melania-lowell.livejournal.com]

"Looks like drinks are on you, Lannie,"

"Iago, you asshole!" I grin, laughing and halfheartedly lobbing another snowball his way. I try to brush the snow off me as we walk in. Dunno what was in that last drink of Verdi's but I'm not cold at all. Which is surprising cos I think when he pushed me in the bank I felt snow go down my pants.

"Hey, guys!"

I look up, hearing the familiar voice and smile back at Zann. "Hi Z---" --"YOU! I've got one hell of a bone to pick with you, you inbred little fuck! What the hell do you think you're doing to my little girl?!"

Oh for fucks sake, Iago, who and what have you been doing while I'm at work? Fuck, can't you keep it in your pants at all? EVER??

Before I can finish the thought, I'm jumping in front of Iago and a low growl is rumbling in my throat. I don't know if he deserves it or not but this guy definitely wants to do more than slap him. I catch his scent, man, dog and something that reminds me of running at night or more like being chased. What the fuck.

"I'd rather no one got thrown through a window; glass is expensive. Feel free to throw each other about in the yard if need be. Try not to scare the horses."

Oh thanks, Valmont, Ass.

[iago-excolo.livejournal.com]

I easily avoid the third snowball, laughing at Lannie's appearance as she brushes the wet snow off when we're greeted by, "Hey, guys!"

I look over and it's Zann, that sexy little mechanic from the carnival. I start to grin at her when a booming voice sounds, "YOU!" A large man, rises from the table and I recognize him as Gaueko, Verdi's estranged lover and God of Night. Didn't Verdi suggest I avoid him?

"I've got one hell of a bone to pick with you, you inbred little fuck! What the hell do you think you're doing to my little girl?!" His little girl? Fuck me. Which one is his little girl? I look quickly around as I take a step back, hoping for enlightenment as to which woman might be his affronted daughter.

Lannie's slides in front of me, faster than usual and growling low as she eyes Gaueko. This is bad and I'm reaching for her as I hear a familiar voice telling us to take it outside. Not helpful in the least, Valmont, and I lean forward, quietly warning her, "Lannie, that's Gaueko. Don't challenge him. We can settle this another way." I touch her arm, continuing in that same low tone, "Stop growling and think about what we should be drinking instead. Let me handle this," I add, as if I have any inkling of how to get myself out of this situation.

Stepping around Lannie, I look at Gaueko uneasily and say in a respectful tone, "I don't know what you believe I may have done but as it's upset you, I offer my sincerest apologies and as soon as you tell me what I did, I won't do it again."

[tereixa-zann.livejournal.com]

Oh holy shit and I'm kinda easing off my stool and slipping forward, thinking about trying to get between them, 'cause I know this pattern, I sure as hell do, which leaves me wondering why the fuck I am not keeping my head down. But Iago's I guess handling it okay, and I think he knows what Gaueko is, or else he's really way mellower than I'd guess around angry dads.

"Yeah, no need to scare the horses, right?" I say, and I screw up my courage and touch Gaueko's arm. "Come on, I'm sure he didn't hurt your girl, he's a nice guy, he really really is." He really is, and I'm kinda proud I managed not to say I'm sure he didn't do anything she didn't want him to 'cause I think that might not go over so well right now. "Let me get the next round and I'm sure you can sort this out, right?"

[simon-klavec.livejournal.com]

"Good to see you too, Azrael. I'm fine, thanks for asking."

Spare him a glance, but then he's up and roaring at Iago. The girl darts in front of him, growling like a guard dog at the pesi hudiča. Laclos keeps calm, tells us to take it outside, and then Iago's smoothing things over.

Mostly. Doesn't remember Glass, and for a moment I'm tempted to shout at him too. Doubt he's just being obstinate, though. Zann touches črni pes and that should calm him down. Stay sitting, me. No need to make things worse by standing up.